Varieties of Chinchillas

There are 6 species of Chinchillas, but only the long-tailed Chinchilla is commonly kept as a pet. All of the species originated in South America before being transported to America and other parts of the world in the early 1900s.

Physical Characteristics of Chinchillas

Chinchillas are classified as small mammals in the pet world, and they are becoming increasingly popular with pet owners. Friendly and adorable, they look like chubby miniature bunnies with long, furry tails similar to that of a squirrel. Their average weight is 1 to 2 pounds, and their typical life span can range as long as 15 years. Coat color varies and includes gray and black along with various mixed color combinations. Kangaroo-style hopping is just one of its many charming traits.

Behavior of Chinchillas

Chinchillas are nocturnal, which means they'll be most active in the early evening and at night. They are usually affectionate and make good pets as long as they're handled by people from the time they're young. They love to play outside their cages, so it's generally best to make sure you have sufficient time to devote to them as pets. Chinchillas that weren't raised together can live together companionably, but they should be introduced to each other slowly.